Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced that Major League outfielder Jerry Sands has been signed for the 2017 season.   “I have heard a lot of good things not only about the Somerset Patriots, but also about the Atlantic League,” said Sands. “I look forward to playing in front of the best fans in the league and giving …

Aurelia Sterbenz (nee Brandi) passed away Feb. 10 at St Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. She was a resident of Parker at Stonegate in Highland Park. She was 93 years old. Mrs. Sterbenz was born in Middletown, N.Y. and moved to New York City after high school where she attended St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center School of Nursing. She …

Regal Bank will purchase the Elizabeth Avenue branch of New Millennium Bank, the institutions announced Feb. 13. According to a press release about the deal, it is anticipated that Regal will assume about $32 million in deposits from New Millennium, a figure subject to the actual value of deposits at the time of closing. The remainder of the branch’s deposits, …

By John P. Felix, Somerset. The recently filed Civil Rights Complaint against the expansion of existing, and creation of new charter schools in our community has elicited a healthy exchange of narratives on social media. Unfortunately some of these responses are devoid of logic, while others present a combative/declarative “war-like” tone. Nevertheless, we’ll endeavor to keep the conversation courteous and …

Marvin Lee Blaustein of South Plainfield, a former Franklin High School principal, quietly passed away on February 10, 2017 . Lee was raised in Brooklyn NY , the son of Michael and Jennie Blaustein. He attended the City College of NY an earned his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Science as well as attended NYU graduate school of Education earning …

Catholics must use the current political and social climate to reclaim the Church’s original “counter-culture” role and “engage the structures of injustice,” a group of St. Matthias parishioners was told Feb. 11. Speaking to the group of about 50 parishioners in a special Black History Month program, Fr. Aniedi Okure, executive director of the Africa Faith & Justice Network of …

By Robert Trautmann, Somerset. I have lived in New Jersey my entire life and, other than my parent’s home, I have lived in Franklin longer than any other town. I like it here. It’s a great community and great place to raise my family. However, at the risk of sounding like a cranky old man shaking my fist at kids …

Two groups – including one based in the township – have asked the state Department of Education to close the township’s charter schools for alleged “segregative” policies. The groups, Franklin Community Advocates Revitalizing our Education System (Franklin C.A.R.E.S.) and the Latino Coalition of New Jersey, have also filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education, …

A global technology company with a laboratory in the township was recently presented with a technology and engineering Emmy Award. OFS, based in Norcross, Ga., was given the award for “contributions toward the pioneering invention and deployment of fiber optic cable,” according to a press release from the company. OFS’ award recognizes the “unique, groundbreaking and patented fiber optic technology …

Feb. 2 Someone broke into a cafe on Executive Drive and stole $1,800 from a locked refrigerator. Someone reported that a package containing a computer fan valued at $13 was stolen Jan. 24 from the porch of their William Street home. A person stole $1,199 worth of Mucinex, Advil and Motrin and reusable bags valued at $2 from an Easton …